Japanese Woodworking

Classes in New Jersey & NYC

Beginner to Advanced Traditional Hand Tool Workshops

I offer small, in person Japanese woodworking classes in New Jersey and NYC focused on traditional hand tools and joinery. These Beginner-friendly workshops are held at my personal studio in Newark, NJ, as well as some at Nihonsan Tools in Brooklyn, NY. Make sure to note the location of each class before signing up. My studio is located a short train ride via the Path from NYC or there is also a few parking spaces as well as street parking available for those who wish to drive. I will send you an exact address after sign up with instructions on how to get to the studio. Hope to see you there!

If you have suggestions for in-person classes that you would like to take, I would love to hear from you! Send an email here.

Classes in NYC — Nihonsan tools, Brooklyn, NY

Hinoki Tray Workshop

A beginner-friendly Japanese woodworking class in NYC and New Jersey focused on traditional sashimono techniques. In this one-day, hands-on workshop, you’ll use traditional Japanese hand tools to craft a small tray from premium Japanese hinoki wood.

This class is ideal if you’re curious about Japanese woodworking but not ready to invest in tools. You’ll get a complete introduction to the process, materials, and mindset behind the craft—while making a refined, functional object to take home.

Coming Soon

Kanna Shiage — Advanced Japanese Hand Plane

An advanced Japanese woodworking class focused entirely on mastering the kanna (Japanese hand plane). You’ll learn sharpening, plane tuning, and proper body mechanics to produce ultra-fine shavings across softwood, hardwood, and even figured wood.

Whether you’re preparing for Kezuroukai competitions or refining the final surface of your work, this workshop is designed to elevate your hand plane skills to a professional level.

Coming Soon

Classes at Studio NOHA — Newark, NJ

bath stool made of hinoki wood imported from japan

Hinoki Bath Stool Class

A beginner woodworking class in New Jersey where you’ll build a handcrafted hinoki bath stool using traditional Japanese techniques.

Designed for all experience levels, this workshop offers a welcoming introduction to Japanese style craftsmanship. You’ll work with imported hinoki wood from Japan—known for its aroma, durability, and beauty—while learning fundamental joinery and tool use.

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Japanese Chisel & Plane Class

A foundational Japanese woodworking class focused on setting up and using your own tools with confidence. You’ll learn how to properly set up, sharpen and tune Japanese chisels and hand planes for precise, clean work.

If you’re starting your journey with Japanese tools, this workshop gives you the essential knowledge needed to avoid frustration and build strong fundamentals from the beginning.

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Japanese Woodworking Intensive: Dovetail Hanging Shelf

A multi-day Japanese woodworking intensive in New Jersey, easily accessible from NYC, designed for serious beginners and intermediate makers. Over four consecutive days, you’ll build a dovetail hanging shelf using traditional sashimono techniques.

This immersive class covers sawing, planing, dovetail joinery, and the construction of handmade paper doors. It’s a deep dive into Japanese hand tool woodworking—focused on process, precision, and developing a refined sense of craftsmanship.

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